After “20 or 30 years” of “linguistic peace,” many in Quebec’s English-speaking community are worried about the future, says QCGN interim president Eva Ludvig. Data from surveys on the QCGN’s website indicate that many fear that the concerns of the English-speaking community are not being taken into account by the provincial government.
In an open letter written by Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN) to Premier Legault, QCGN states that the government definition of “English Eligible” is limiting and minority groups, under international norms, should define themselves. The current definition of English Eligible excludes between 300,000 and 500,000 English-speaking Quebecers, making the category far from inclusive and limiting the access to government services in English.
An unexpected area of funding was the $4 million for English-speaking Quebecers, money the Quebec Community Group Network (QCGN) expects to help get English speakers better access to government services.
“To gather actual statistical data that can be used to determine where the gaps are, where we need help,” said QCGN president Marlene Jennings.
#OuiOurQuebec is a community campaign which celebrates English-speaking Quebecers and their contributions to making this province a great place to live.
Initiated by the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN) in cooperation with many of its members, community organizations and individuals, it seeks not only to highlight our contributions and sense of belonging, but also to challenge persistent, widespread and often false beliefs about our community.
A strong English-language education system, from kindergarten to university, is essential to the vitality of the English-speaking community.
A strong English-language education system, from kindergarten to university, is essential to the vitality of Quebec’s English-speaking community. It allows anglophones to be schooled in their mother tongue, reinforcing their ability not only to speak, but also write the language properly, and increases the chances of students’ success. Not all students have the capacity to flourish academically in a second language. English educational institutions, many of which have deep roots in Quebec, also preserve a sense of community identity; serve as incubators for future community leaders (not only students, but also parents who participate in school governance); provide opportunities for anglophones to work in English. As well, schools serve as important community gathering places, especially outside of Montreal.
It’s time for francophones and anglophones to work more closely together on linguistic issues. Here’s how.
If the government of Quebec wants to strengthen the French language, it should do so in partnership with English-speaking Quebecers, not treat them as an opponent.
Anglophones know that French requires some form of protection and promotion by the governments of Quebec and Canada, given the language’s minority status in the country and, indeed, on the continent.
(VIDEO) Christopher Skeete, the Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier for Relations with English-Speaking Quebecers, speaks about the outcome of a consultation of English-speaking Quebecers.
Rather than picking fights with our community, we urge the Legault government to alter course, work with us, and cease defining us as a problem, writes QCGN President Geoffrey Chambers in this opinion piece for The Gazette. Chambers argues that today’s English-speaking community is invested in Quebec. We have encouraged and enabled our children to develop French-language skills. We accept and celebrate the predominance of French as the linguistic and cultural norm here. We don’t see ourselves, our language, or our culture as something bad that must be suppressed. Our community’s bilingualism is an asset to be celebrated — as multilingualism is applauded in any European country. Read more
QCGN President Geoffrey Chambers reacts to the rumored news the Coalition Avenir Québec could be working on a list defining what constitutes an “historical anglo,” saying the news is rattling English-speaking Quebecers and creating a sense of anxiety.
The QCGN is funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage.
